Game system including ball on a string and target

ABSTRACT

A stylized game system which includes a tossable object such as a ball affixed to a string. The tossable object is suspended from the string a distance away from a backboard and is attached to a raised surface such as a ceiling or a telescoping pole. The object is tossed along a path toward the backboard with the intent of placing the object into a goal located on the backboard. The goal and backboard could be a cup, a hoop, or other receptacle for receiving the object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/164,388 filed May 20, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a game system, and more specifically to a ball toss game system including an anchored string, a ball, and a target.

2. Description of the Related Art

Popular gaming systems including ring toss games involving a ring, a hook, and a board have existed for a long time. Similar games which also involve a rod extending out above the board with a string affixed to the rod and the ring have also been around for quite some time. Variants of this game come in a number of names, such as “Bimini Ring,” “Bimini Toss,” “Tiki Toss,” “Wallhooky,” and, simply, “Ring Toss.”

The typical set-up for such a game requires the user to place a hook somewhere, either temporarily or permanently. A ring is then affixed to a string by tying the string directly to the edge of the ring. The other end of the string is affixed to a rod or other object, allowing the user to swing the ring from a starting position and attempt to hook the ring onto the hook.

What is desired is a new gaming system with new challenges for players. Heretofore there has not been available a game system with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a highly-portable game which includes a ball on a string anchored to a point, such as a telescoping rod, and a target for receiving the ball when tossed. The backboard and goal can be stylized for unique looks and altered aspects of the game, such as a goal resembling a basketball net with a recess resembling a basketball hoop. The telescoping rod is connected to and received within the backboard and telescopes out to provide a vertical connection point for the string to attach when a ceiling or other structure is not suitable. A cord lock located at the tip of the telescoping rod secures the end of the string. This provides a highly mobile, self-contained game system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the present invention including a ball string game.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a ball element thereof, showing interaction with a hook element.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the hook element thereof.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment ball element, showing interaction with an alternative embodiment hook element.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the alternative embodiment hook element thereof.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment thereof.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of yet another alternative embodiment thereof.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of an example backboard element of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a telescoping pole element of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the telescoping pole of FIG. 9 interfacing with the backboard element of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an exploded three-dimensional isometric view thereof.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the telescoping pole of FIG. 9, including close-up views of a connecting element thereof and an end element thereof.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention combining elements depicted in FIGS. 1-12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Ball Game System 2

A preferred embodiment ball game system 2 includes a ball 4 connected to a string 14 which is tied or otherwise connected to a ceiling 16 or other raised element. As shown in FIG. 1, the string 14 is connected to a ceiling 16 through an eye hook 12 or other connection device. This could be replaced with a long pole or other element raised above the backboard 6 which is connected to a generally vertical surface 18 such as a wall. A goal 8 including an indented receiver space 10 extends away from the backboard 6 and serves as the target for the ball 4 which is swung through the air on the string 14. The ball 4 may be connected to the string via a hook element. The purpose of the game is to toss the ball 4 along a path such that it swings along the string 14 and sits in the receiver space 10 of the goal.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show one type of hook element having a connection end 20 for tying the string to the hook, a hook body 22, and a double-end 24. The hook body 22 penetrates through the ball 4 and the double-end 24 rests against an opposite surface of the ball, thereby ensuring the ball remains on the hook while the game is played.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a slightly alternative hook element having the same connection end 20, but the body 32 of the hook doesn't completely pass through the ball 4, but rather is inserted into the ball and kept connected to the ball by a barbed end 34 of the hook. This could be used to pierce a ping-pong ball or some similar ball which is easily replaceable.

III. First Alternative Embodiment Ball Game System 52

FIG. 6 shows a slightly alternative embodiment ball games system 52 to the above embodiment. Here, the ball 4 is tossed to a backboard 56 where the goal 58 resembles a golf tee and the receiver space 60 resembles the top of a golf tee where a golf ball would typically rest prior to being teed off. The ball 4 could also be a golf ball or simply look like a golf ball. The backboard 56 could even resemble a golf course, golf flag, or other golf-related element.

IV. Second Alternative Embodiment Ball Game System 102

Similar to above, FIG. 7 shows a slightly alternative embodiment ball game system 102. Here, the ball 104 is shaped like a basketball, but could be a plain ball as disclosed above. The backboard 106 would resemble a basketball backboard or could be any backboard. The goal 108 resembles a basketball hoop and net, and may actually include a physical net. The receiver 110 could be a recessed receiver as disclosed above, or an open hoop for receiving the ball 104 within the hoop, which is caught in the net of the goal 108.

V. Alternative Embodiment Game System 152

FIG. 8 shows an alternative backboard 154 which has a receiver 156 for receiving a telescoping arm 160 as shown in FIG. 9. At least one mounting hole 158 could be included in the backboard 154 for receiving a screw or nail for mounting the backboard 154 against a vertical surface, such as a wall. The telescoping arm 160 including multiple telescoping segments 162 which telescope out to form an elongated arm for connecting a string for holding a ball element as disclosed above or a ring element as disclosed below. The tip 164 of the arm 160 includes holes 168 for receiving the string. An insert end 166 is received by the receiver 156 inserted into the backboard 154.

FIG. 10 shows this assembly fully constructed. FIG. 11 shows how the parts may separate, including the receiver 156 removed from a hole 157 within the backboard. FIG. 12 shows additional detail of the telescoping arm, including the holes 168 for receiving the string.

FIG. 13 shows a combination of the elements discussed above. The telescoping rod 160 is affixed to the backboard 154 which is attached to a vertical structure 18. The segments 162 of the rod 160 are extended and the string 14 is attached to the holes 168 in the tip of the rod. As shown, the ball 4 can be tossed along a path suspended by the string 14 towards the goal 108 with the intent of placing the ball within the recess 110. The ball is connected to the string via the hook, which is connected to the string 14 via the connection end.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited. 

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A game system comprising: a backboard with a front face, said backboard mounted to a vertical surface; a tossable object connected to a string affixed to a raised surface, said raised surface located above said backboard; a goal connected to said backboard, said goal configured for receiving said tossable object; and a receiver mounted within said backboard for receiving said goal.
 2. The game system of claim 1, further comprising: said tossable object comprising a ball; said goal comprising a base having a receptacle for receiving said ball; a hook piercing said ball, said hook including a proximal end and a distal end; said proximal end of said hook comprising a loop for receiving one end of said string; and said distal end of said hook comprising at least one barb for securing said ball.
 3. The game system of claim 2, further comprising: said receptacle comprising a hoop; and said goal comprising a net suspended from said hoop, said hoop and net configured for receiving said ball.
 4. The game system of claim 2, further comprising: said barb of said hook including an interior face configured for interfacing with an exterior face of said ball; and wherein said barb rests against said exterior face of said ball, thereby preventing said ball from disengaging with said hook.
 5. The game system of claim 2, further comprising: said barb of said hook including a pointed tip for piercing said ball; and wherein said barb resides within an interior space of said ball, said barb configured to prevent said ball from disengaging with said hook.
 6. The game system of claim 1, further comprising: a telescoping arm including a first end and a second end; said first end of said telescoping arm comprising an insert to be received by a receive located within said backboard; said raised surface comprising said second end of said telescoping arm configured for receiving a first end of said string; and said telescoping arm comprised of a plurality of interlocking telescoping segments.
 7. The game system of claim 6, further comprising: said tossable object comprising a ball; said goal comprising a base having a spherical receptacle for receiving said ball; a hook piercing said ball, said hook including a proximal end and a distal end; said proximal end of said hook comprising a loop for receiving a second end of said string; and said distal end of said hook comprising at least one barb for securing said ball.
 8. The game system of claim 7, further comprising: said receptacle comprising a hoop; and said goal comprising a net suspended from said hoop, said hoop and net configured for receiving said ball.
 9. The game system of claim 7, further comprising: said barb of said hook including an interior face configured for interfacing with an exterior face of said ball; and wherein said barb rests against said exterior face of said ball, thereby preventing said ball from disengaging with said hook.
 10. The game system of claim 7, further comprising: said barb of said hook including a pointed tip for piercing said ball; and wherein said barb resides within an interior space of said ball, said barb configured to prevent said ball from disengaging with said hook. 